Our Response to Channel 4’s “The Great ADHD Myth?”
Last night, Channel 4 aired their documentary: “The Great ADHD Myth?”
We welcome informed and evidence-based discussion about ADHD and the support available to neurodivergent people. The media has an important role to play in improving understanding of neurodivergence and encouraging constructive debate about how people access assessment, diagnosis and support.
However, we are concerned that The Great ADHD Myth did not offer a balanced view of ADHD and lived experience. There is a risk that viewers may come away questioning whether ADHD is a real condition, despite ADHD being recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the NHS and leading clinical bodies as a neurodevelopmental difference. Neurodivergent people, including people with ADHD, have always existed, and increased awareness has helped many people better understand their experiences and seek support.
The way ADHD is discussed in the media matters. Misunderstandings can have real-world consequences. For example, programmes that cast doubt on the legitimacy of ADHD may contribute to increased scepticism towards people who disclose their diagnosis or seek reasonable adjustments in education, employment and other areas of daily life. This can create additional barriers for people who are already navigating significant challenges.
At the same time, the programme highlighted a number of important issues that deserve discussion. Questions around access to assessment, the role of private providers and the growth of commercial diagnostic services are all legitimate areas for scrutiny. These issues sit within a wider context in which many families and individuals face significant challenges in accessing timely assessments, contributing to increased demand for private routes to diagnosis. These conversations are necessary, but they should be approached in a balanced way, grounded in evidence and centred on the lived experiences of neurodivergent people and their families.
For many people, an ADHD diagnosis provides understanding, validation and access to support. It can help individuals, families, schools and employers better understand a person’s needs and make reasonable adjustments.
We also recognise that there are legitimate conversations to be had about ADHD medication, particularly for children and young people. However, the discussion should not be framed as medication versus support, or diagnosis versus no diagnosis. The real challenge is ensuring that children, families and adults can access the right support, at the right time, in the right way for them. For some people, medication may form part of that support; for others, environmental, educational or workplace adjustments may be more significant.
Ultimately, the conversation should focus less on questioning the reality of neurodivergent experiences and more on creating systems, services and communities where people can thrive.
